In the whirlwind of cable news, where fiery debates and breaking headlines dominate, Fox News star Dana Perino took a well-deserved break the week of July 21, 2025, leaving viewers and her The Five co-hosts buzzing with curiosity. The former White House Press Secretary and beloved co-anchor of America’s Newsroom and The Five announced she was stepping away for a summer getaway, sparking speculation about where she was headed and what she was up to. Now, exclusive details reveal that Perino’s absence was filled with precious family moments, picturesque destinations, and a heartwarming gesture that left her colleagues at Fox News grinning from ear to ear—handpicked local treats carefully packed as gifts for her The Five co-hosts. Here’s the full scoop on Dana Perino’s summer escape and the sweet surprises she brought back to the studio.
A Much-Needed Break for a Cable News Powerhouse
Dana Perino, the poised and quick-witted 53-year-old who’s been a fixture on Fox News since 2009, is no stranger to the demands of a high-profile career. As co-host of The Five, the most-watched program in cable news, and co-anchor of America’s Newsroom alongside Bill Hemmer, Perino juggles a grueling schedule that starts at 4:43 a.m. (she famously beats her alarm by two minutes) and often stretches late into the evening. Add to that her weekly podcast Perino on Politics, her new book I Wish Someone Had Told Me: The Best Advice for Building a Great Career and a Meaningful Life (set to release April 22, 2025), and her active social media presence, and it’s clear why a summer getaway was exactly what she needed.
Perino announced her vacation on air before her departure, with her America’s Newsroom co-host Bill Hemmer playfully reminding viewers that she’d be soaking up some much-needed relaxation. “It’s summer, folks. Everyone gets a vacation,” Hemmer quipped, easing fans’ concerns about her absence. But while viewers were left wondering where the Wyoming-born political commentator had jetted off to, sources close to Perino reveal she opted for a low-key, family-focused retreat that was as heartwarming as it was rejuvenating.
A Family Affair in a Coastal Haven
Insiders confirm that Perino, her husband Peter McMahon, and their beloved Vizsla dog Percy headed to Bay Head, New Jersey, where the couple owns a home. Known for its charming boardwalks, pristine beaches, and quaint small-town vibe, Bay Head has long been a sanctuary for Perino, who values its serene escape from the hustle of New York City. “Dana loves Bay Head,” a close friend shared. “It’s where she can unplug, spend quality time with Peter and Percy, and just be present. It’s her happy place.”
The week of July 21 saw Perino embracing the slower pace of coastal life. Sources say she and McMahon spent their days strolling along the beach, with Percy bounding through the surf, his tail wagging furiously. “Dana was all about making memories with her family,” the source added. “She’s so busy with work that these moments are precious to her. She was spotted laughing with Peter at a local ice cream shop, and they even took Percy for a sunset walk along the boardwalk. It was pure bliss.”
Perino, who’s known for her disciplined routine (think Peloton workouts, ballroom dancing, and a strict 9 p.m. bedtime), let loose a bit during the getaway. “She indulged in some of her favorite summer treats—fresh lobster rolls, homemade fudge, and a glass or two of rosé,” the source revealed. “But what really stood out was how much she enjoyed connecting with the locals. Dana’s a people person, and she was chatting up everyone from shop owners to fishermen, soaking in the community spirit.”
Thoughtful Gifts for The Five Co-Hosts
While Perino was relishing her time away, she hadn’t forgotten her The Five family—Greg Gutfeld, Jesse Watters, Jessica Tarlov, and Harold Ford Jr. Known for her thoughtfulness, Perino spent part of her getaway curating a collection of local treats to surprise her co-hosts upon her return. “Dana’s the kind of person who thinks about others even when she’s on vacation,” a Fox News insider shared. “She wanted to bring back something special for the team, and she went all out.”
Perino scoured Bay Head’s local shops and markets, handpicking goodies that reflected the coastal charm of her getaway. For Greg Gutfeld, the quick-witted host of Gutfeld!, she selected a jar of artisanal hot sauce from a nearby farmers’ market, knowing his love for bold flavors. “Greg’s always joking about needing to spice things up, so Dana thought it was perfect,” the insider said. For Jesse Watters, whose cheeky humor lights up The Five, she chose a bag of saltwater taffy, playfully nodding to his sweet tooth and their shared banter on air.
Jessica Tarlov, the show’s liberal voice, received a tin of homemade shortbread cookies from a beloved Bay Head bakery. “Dana knows Jessica’s got a sophisticated palate, but she also loves comfort food,” the source noted. “Those cookies were a hit.” For Harold Ford Jr., Perino picked out a bottle of locally crafted maple syrup, a nod to his appreciation for hearty, down-home flavors. “Harold was over the moon,” the insider added. “He was already planning to drizzle it over his pancakes the next morning.”
But the pièce de résistance was a shared gift for the entire The Five panel: a beautifully packaged basket of Jersey Shore treats, including fresh clam chowder mix, locally roasted coffee beans, and a selection of hand-dipped chocolates. “When Dana walked into the studio on July 28 with that basket, the whole set erupted,” the insider recalled. “Everyone was teasing her about being the ‘mom’ of the group, but they were genuinely touched. It was such a Dana move—thoughtful, classy, and just a little indulgent.”
The Buzz Back at Fox News
Perino’s return to The Five on July 28 was met with excitement both on and off the air. Her co-hosts couldn’t stop raving about her gifts, with Gutfeld jokingly threatening to “retire to Bay Head” after tasting the hot sauce. Watters, ever the showman, unwrapped his taffy on air, tossing pieces to the crew and quipping, “Dana, you’re trying to rot my teeth before the election!” Tarlov and Ford Jr. joined in the fun, with Tarlov praising the shortbread’s “perfect buttery crumble” and Ford Jr. vowing to make the maple syrup a staple at his breakfast table.
Fans of The Five also took notice of Perino’s refreshed energy. “She came back glowing,” one viewer tweeted. “Whatever she did on that vacation, it worked!” Another fan commented, “Dana’s the heart of The Five. Love that she brought back treats for the team—classy as always.” The gifts sparked a lively discussion on the show, with the co-hosts sharing their own summer getaway stories and debating the merits of coastal versus mountain vacations. “Dana’s Bay Head haul set a high bar,” Ford Jr. laughed. “Now we all have to step up our gift game.”
A Peek into Perino’s World
Perino’s summer getaway wasn’t just a break from the grind—it was a reminder of what makes her such a beloved figure in the world of cable news. Her ability to balance a demanding career with genuine warmth and thoughtfulness is what sets her apart. “Dana’s not just a news anchor; she’s a connector,” the Fox News insider said. “Whether she’s moderating a GOP debate or picking out gifts for her co-hosts, she brings the same care and authenticity to everything she does.”
As Perino settles back into her routine, fans can expect more of her signature wit and insight on The Five and America’s Newsroom. Her new book, set to release next spring, promises to share more of the lessons she’s learned from her remarkable career, with contributions from colleagues like Gutfeld, Watters, and Jeanine Pirro. And with the 2024 election cycle heating up, Perino’s Perino on Politics podcast will no doubt keep listeners informed and engaged.
For now, though, Perino’s summer getaway remains a sweet chapter in her busy life—a moment to recharge, reconnect with family, and share a piece of her world with her The Five co-hosts. As one fan put it, “Dana Perino’s the gift that keeps on giving.” And with her thoughtful treats and radiant return, it’s clear she’s back and better than ever.
